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Description
Drosera Erythrorhiza, commonly known as the red-rooted sundew, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the Droseraceae family. The plant is native to Australia and grows in wet and swampy areas. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 10 cm in height and has a rosette of leaves at its base. The leaves are covered with glandular tentacles that secrete a sticky mucilage that traps small insects.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
Appearance
The red-rooted sundew has a rosette of leaves that are green in color and can grow up to 3 cm in diameter. The leaves are covered with glandular tentacles that secrete a sticky mucilage that traps small insects. The plant produces a tall inflorescence that can grow up to 30 cm in height and has pink or white flowers. The roots of the plant are red in color.
Care Guide
The red-rooted sundew requires specific care to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Water: The plant should be kept in standing water or in moist soil. Do not let the soil dry out completely.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization as it gets all its nutrients from the insects it traps.
- Soil: The plant prefers a nutrient-poor soil that is acidic and well-draining.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The red-rooted sundew can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The red-rooted sundew is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections if the plant is kept too wet. Common pests that can affect the plant include spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The red-rooted sundew is native to Australia and grows in wet and swampy areas. It can also be found in other parts of the world, including North America and Europe. The plant prefers areas with high humidity and moist soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the red-rooted sundew a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, the red-rooted sundew is a relatively easy plant to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: How often should I water my red-rooted sundew?
A: The plant should be kept in standing water or in moist soil. Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Q: Can the red-rooted sundew be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a terrarium or other container with high humidity.
Q: Can the red-rooted sundew be propagated?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by dividing the rhizome or by leaf cuttings.
Related Plants
- Drosera Capensis
- Drosera Rotundifolia
- Drosera Aliciae
References
- “Drosera erythrorhiza.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Aug. 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosera_erythrorhiza.
- “Growing Sundews: An Overview of the Carnivorous Plant Genus Drosera.” The Spruce, Dotdash, 1 Jun. 2021, https://www.thespruce.com/growing-sundews-indoors-1902594.
- “Drosera erythrorhiza.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b617.
